Basic Computer
Fundamentals

What Is a Computer?
 A computer is a programmable machine
with two principal characteristics:
• Computer.. Latin word.. Compute
• Calculation Machine
• It responds to a specific set of instructions in a
well-defined manner.
•It can execute a prerecorded list of
instructions (a program).
 A computer system includes a computer,
peripheral devices, and software

Introductions to Computer
A computer has four (4)
functions:
a. accepts data Input
b. processes data Processing
c. produces output Output
d. stores results Storage

 Input (Data):
is the raw information entered into a computer from the
input devices. It is the collection of letters, numbers,
images etc.
 Process:
is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally
internal process of the computer system.
 Output:
is the processed data given by computer after data
processing. Output is also called as Result. We can save
these results in the storage devices for the future use.
 Storage:
is the area where data can be left on a permanent basis.
Four Functions:

Elements of A Computer
 People:
They run and operate the computer.
 Procedure:
are normally written in manuals of hardware and
software manufacturers.
 Software:
is to do process data into useful information for
people.
 Hardware:
the physical equipment that you can feel and
touch.

Elements of A Computer
 Data:
include texts and numbers, sounds, images,
and videos that you input into the computer
for processing.
 Connectivity:
- a computer must be connected to other
computers especially through the internet.
- using the internet, people can share and
access data from all over the world.

Capabilities of Computers
 Speed:
computer operates on data and commands at incredibly
fast speed.
 Storage:
computer can store enormous amount of data and
information in its memory.
 Reliability:
computers made of modern technology rarely
breakdown and when they do, they are easily repaired.
 Consistent:
if you input the same data into the computer using the same
program, it will give you the same result all the time.
 Communicate:
people can connect with others by the use of computers.

Ten Commandments of
Computer Ethics
 Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
 Thou shalt not interfere with other peoples computer work.
 Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s files.
 Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
 Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
 Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not
paid.
 Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without
authorization.
 Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual.
 Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the
program you write.
 Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration
and respect.

Disadvantages of using Computers
 Safety and Security:
people have to be careful in sharing photos and
personal information on the computer and
internet.
 Health Risks:
long and improper use of the computer can lead
to injuries and hazards to the user.
 Environment:
old computers must be disposed off properly.

Disadvantages of using Computers
 Use of Power:
computers need electricity to run. Computers only
need a small amount of electric power but with
many computers around, this results to high total
requirement.
 Privacy Violation:
personal information when stored in a computer
can be viewed and stolen.

Software
Software exists as ideas,
concepts, and symbols, but it has no
substance.
- are sets of instructions that tell
the computer what to do to fulfill its
task.

Kinds of Software
 System Software:
- are programs that the computer uses.
- is a collection of programs which includes the
operating system, utilities and drivers.
o Operating System:
is a program that is basically responsible for the
coordination, management and sharing of
hardware resources and tasks in the computer.
o Utility Software:
is a program that performs maintenance tasks for the
computer resources, such as clean up and organizing files and
programs so they would load and work faster.

Kinds of Software
o Device Driver:
is a program that allows a particular hardware device
to work and with the computer system.
 Applications Software:
are the programs that people use for their day to day
tasks on the computer
o Basic application software:
includes word processor, spreadsheet, database
and presentation software.
oSpecialized application software:
includes software for graphics, multimedia,
audio, video, web designing and many other app.
that focus on a certain discipline or profession.